IBM buys BigFix for network visibility and compliance

Computer giant IBM today announced it plans to acquire network and compliance company BigFix for an undisclosed amount, although Bloomberg BusinessWeek claims an inside source is saying the deal is worth about $400 million. The acquisition will bring IBM customers added compliance and security for their network of computers.

BigFix gives customers visibility into their entire networks, anywhere from 1,000 to 100,000 computers. The system works with the customer’s IT standards and alerts the customer when a computer may drop out of compliance or if there’s a security threat. The alerts happen in real time.

According to PC World, the acquisition will even out the competitive landscape against known network and compliance companies Hewlett-Packard, BMC and CA Technologies.

Based in Emeryville, Calif., BigFix was founded in 1997 and currently claims 200 employees and 700 customers, all of whom will be rolled over to IBM. The deal is scheduled to close this quarter.